First freight trains from China to Türkiye depart via the Middle Corridor

Two freight trains departed from the Chinese cities of Chongqing and Chengdu bound for Europe via Türkiye on the 9 July marking the first direct rail shipment under the new regular freight service along the Middle Corridor, according to the Turkish Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure.

Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu described the development as the start of a “new era” in the East–West logistics chain and emphasised Türkiye’s strategic role on this route.

Each train, carrying 2,000 metric tonnes of cargo, has already travelled approximately 3,500 kilometres within China and crossed into Kazakhstan. The route continues through Central Asia and across the Caspian Sea before reaching Türkiye, and then onwards to Europe.

Uraloğlu noted that the agreement enabling this service was signed during the Global Transport Corridors Forum held in Istanbul at the end of June. The deal strengthens Türkiye’s position in the Europe–Asia logistics network.

Over the past 23 years, Türkiye has invested around $300 billion in transport and communication infrastructure. Its railway network has expanded to 13,919 kilometres, including 2,251 kilometres of high-speed rail.

The Minister highlighted plans for 1,000 trains to operate along the Middle Corridor annually, which will bolster Türkiye’s role as an alternative transit hub in regional and global trade.

He added that the Middle Corridor will continue to develop through expanded cooperation with Asian and European countries, especially China, under the broader Development Road initiative.

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